Street sign arrangement



Jan. 13, 1970 L. E. GANT STREET SIGN ARRANGEMENT Filed July 59. 1968 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. LYLE E. Gmvr Jan. 13, 1970 L. E. GANT 3,488,875

STREET SIGN ARRANGEMENT Filed July Q9, 1968 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 0 LAN5 1 IIIIIIII 11 IM INVENTOR LYLE E.GANT

BY F1 10 M05444, MM afl zw ATTORNEYS United States Patent O US. Cl. 40-145 6 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A street sign arrangement for mounting on a traffic signal having a box-like mounting frame supported by mounting straps to the traflic signal, a plurality of street name plaques, and snap fasteners or tab fasteners for detachably fastening the street name plaques to the boxlike frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This application is a continuation-in-part of my prior application entitled Street Sign Arrangement, Ser. No. 685,038, filed Nov. 22, 1967, now abandoned.

Field of the invention The field of the invention is generally card, picture and sign exhibiting, and more particularly, street signs.

Description of the prior art Several sign arrangements are known to the art. Some of them have been directed to combinations of street lighting fixtures and street signs, traffic signals and street signs, or to illuminated street signs. Representative of these arrangements are the patents to Sitz 1,567,871, Springfels 1,806,126, and Ger-main 3,144,633.

Much of the prior art is directed to integrated structures combining street name signs, traffic signals or street lighting fixtures in single units-Because of their unitary structure, none of these arrangements is adaptable for use with previously installed equipment, such as traflic signals, but instead is directed to replacing other equipment. What is needed is a street sign arrangement that is readily adaptable to use with existing equipment, such as standard tratfic signals.

It is at present the usual practice to mount street name signs either on street lighting standards or on individual posts intended solely to support street signs. The street signs in these locations are frequently diiiicult to spot, especially when driving through a strange city. Trafiic signals are relatively easy to spot, both because they are generally positioned so that motorists will have an unobstructed view of them, and because they have red, yellow and green lights that are generally easily seen. For this reason, it is logical to locate street signs in close proximity to traflic signals, being careful, however, not to obstruct the motorists view of the traflic signal lights.

Still another shortcoming of prior art street sign arrangements is that when the street names become dirty or otherwise illegible, they are difiicult to clean and may have to be removed and replaced at a considerable expenditure of time and labor.

As will be appreciated more fully below, the street sign arrangement of the present invention solves each of the above mentioned problems, and in addition, provides a long lasting arrangement that is esthetically pleasing and clearly legible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is an improved street sign arrangement adapted to be mounted on a trafiic signal.

It includes a box-like mounting frame which, at the usual lntersection, will have four sides. At other intersections, the mounting frame may have more or fewer sides. The

mounting frame is mounted to a traffic signal by a plurality of support straps, and may include a support frame adapted to be received about the housing of a traffic signal. Street name plaques are detachably mounted to the box-like frame by tabs attached to the plaques or by snap fasteners, one-half of each sna fastener being aflixed to the street name plaque and e other half to the mounting frame.

Primary features of the present invention include readily detachable street name plaques for ease of cleaning and replacement, a mounting frame adapted to carry the street name plaques, and support means adapted for mounting the whole arrangement on a trafiic signal.

By locating the street sign arrangement on a trafiic signal in a manner so as not to obstruct the view of the traflic signal to motorists, the street names are more readily seen. Additionally, the need for separate posts or the like to support street signs is eliminated.

It. is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved street sign arrangement.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a street sign arrangement having readily detachable street name plaques.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a street sign arangement that is adapted to be mounted on a traffic signal.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a street sign arrangement that is easily mounted on existing traffic signals with a minimum of effort.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the description proceeds, reference being made to the enclosed drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the street sign arrangement of the present invention affixed to a traffic signal;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the street sign arrangement of the present invention afiixed to a different configuration of a traffic signal;

'FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the street sign arrangement of the present invention affixed to still another configuration of a traflic signal;

FIGURE 4 is a cross sectional view illustrating how the street name plaques are aflixed to the mounting frame;

FIGURE 5 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the street sign arrangement of the present invention atfixed to another configuration of trafiic signal;

FIGURE 6 is a cross sectional view through the center of the street sign and trafiic signal illustrated in FIG- URE 5, omitting the internal elements of the trafiic signal;

FIGURE 7 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of the street sign arrangement of the present invention aflixed to a connecting device forming a part of yet another configuration of trafiic signal;

FIGURE 8 is a plan view of a connecting device which connects a trafiic signal configuration which includes a plurality of housings;

FIGURE 9 is a cross sectional view through the center of the street sign arrangement shown in FIGURE 7, omitting the connecting device; and

FIGURE 10 is a partial top view of the connecting device illustrated in FIGURE 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to FIGURE 1 there is shown a traffic signal indicated generally at 10. The traffic signal may include a post 11 and a housing 12. The housing 12 may have a plurality of apertures in which colored glass lenses 13 are received. The trafiic signal 10 may also be provided with sun shades 14 over certain of the lenses 13.

FIGURE 1 also shows one embodiment of the street sign arrangement of the present invention, indicated generally at 16. The street sign arrangement 16 has a plurality of support straps 17 each having a turned up portion 18 on one end. The other ends of the support straps 17 may be integrally formed to form a cross-shaped member 19. The center portion of the cross-shaped member 19 is provided with a plurality of holes 21 whereby the street sign arrangement 16 may be affixed to the housing 12 of the traffic signal 10. The housing 12 may be provided with a plurality of holes (not shown) in register with the holes 21 to receive suitable fasteners therethrough.

A mounting means, which may be in the form of a box-like frame 23 having a plurality of sides 24 is supported by the support straps 17. Each side 24 has a front surface 26 and a back surface 27. The turned up portions 18 of the support straps 17 are affixed to the back surfaces 27 of the sides 24.

Each side 24 of the mounting frame 23 is adapted to receive a street name plaque 31. The street name plaques 31 may be formed of metal, porcelain, plastic or any other suitable material. As best shown in FIGURE 4 each plaque 31 has a face surface 32 and a rear surface 33. The face surface 32 has inscribed upon it the name of the street to be identified thereby. The rear surface 33 is substantially flat and has afiixed thereto a first element 36 of a readily detachable fastening means 37. A second element 38 of the detachable fastening means 37 is affixed to a side 24 of the mounting frame 23. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first element 36 may be the male part and the second element 38 may be the female part of a two-part fastener. In order that the rear surface 33 of the street name plaque 31 will be held in contact with the front surface 26 of a side 24, the second element 38 of the readily detachable fastening means 27 may be recessedly afiixed to the side 24 as best shown in FIGURE 4.

A second embodiment of the street sign arrangement of the present invention is shown in FIGURE 2, and indicated generally at 41. The embodiment 41 differs from the embodiment 16 in the structure of the support straps, but is in all other respects substantially identical to the embodiment 16. In the embodiment 41 there are only two support straps, indicated at 42, and they are generally parallel to each other. The turned up portions (not shown) on one end of each support strap 42 are afiixed to the back surface 27 of a side 26. The other end of each support strap 42 has a turned up portion 43 which is affixed to the back surface 27 of an opposite side 24. A clamp 46 is received about the mid-point of each of the parallel support straps 42 and is adapted to clamp each support strap 42 to cross bar 44 of a traffic signal 45.

FIGURE 3 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, indicated generally at 48, which is substantially identical to the embodiments of FIGURES 1 and 2, with the exception of the support straps and the addition of a support frame 51. The support frame 51 is adapted to be received about the housing 12 of a traffic signal 55. The traffic signal 55 is supported from an arm 56 rather than being supported by a post 11, but in other respects may be identical to the traffic signal 10 of FIG- URE 1.

Each of the support straps 49 has a turned up portion 49a on one end and a turned up portion 49b on the other end. The turned up portions 49a are affixed to the back surfaces 27 of the sides 24. The turned up portions 49b are afiixed to the support frame 51.

A subtle feature of the embodiment 48 is that the support frame 51 and mounting frame 23 are openable at corners 58 to facilitate installation of the street sign arrangement on a traffic signal housing.

The embodiment of FIGURE 1 may be more economical than the embodiment of FIGURES 2 or 3, but is restricted in its application to a traflic signal 10 that is post mounted. The embodiment of FIGURE 2 might be referred to as a special embodiment for use with traflic signals 45, such as may be found at the intersections of one-way streets. The embodiment of FIGURE 3 is slightly more expensive than the embodiment of FIG- URE 1, but is more universal in its application. For example, the embodiment of FIGURE 3 may be mounted near the top or near the bottom of a traffic signal housing 12, whether it is supported by a post 11 or an arm 56.

To affix the embodiment of FIGURE 3 to the top of the traffic signal 55, the support frame 51 and the mounting frame 23 would be opened at the corners 58 suificiently to pass the mounting frame 23 and support frame 51 about the arm 56 and slide the support frame 51 into position about the top of housing 12. Similarly, to mount the embodiment of FIGURE 3 near the bottom of the traffic signal 10, the mounting frame 24 and support frame 51 would be opened at the corners 58 suificiently to pass the mounting frame 23 and support frame 51 about the post 11, and then moved upwardly so that the support frame 51 is moved into place about the bottom of the housing 12 of the traffic signal 10.

FIGURE 5 shows a further embodiment of the present invention, indicated generally at 60. The traflic signal illustrated consists of a box-like housing 61 having at least one aperture in which a colored glass lens 62 is received. A single housing such as housing 61, may be used where a stop signal or a caution signal is needed, or two or more such housings may be connected together, one on top of the other, to provide different colors when used as a traffic control signal.

The street sign arrangement 63 has a plurality of support straps 64 each having a turned up portion 65 on one end. The other ends of the support straps 64 are connected together adjacent to their centers or may be integrally formed. The center portion of the support straps is provided with a threaded recess 66 adapted to receive the male end of a fastener 67 for aflixing the support straps to the housing 61. The threaded recess 66 is preferably covered by a cover member 68, which may be integral with the support straps, to protect the threads and the fastener from the elements.

A mounting means, which may be in the form of a boxlike frame 69 having a plurality of sides is supported by the support straps 64. Each side has a front surface 70 and a back surface 71. The turned up portions 65 of the support straps 64 are afiixed to the back surfaces 71.

Each front side 70 of the mounting frame 69 is adapted to receive a street name plaque 72. As mentioned in regard to other embodiments, the street name plaques 72 may be formed of metal, porcelain, plastic or any suitable material. Each plaque 72 has a face surface and a rear surface, the face having inscribed upon it the name of the street to be identified. The rear surface is substantially flat. Along the top of each plaque 72 are fastening means consisting of a plurality of tabs 73. The tabs 73 may be readily bent over the top edge of the side of frame 69, thereby holding the plaque 72 in contact with the front side 70 of frame 69. By unbending tabs 73, the plaques 72 are readily detachable.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGURES 7-10, and is indicated generally at 80. In the embodiment there are four support straps 83 (see FIGURE 10). The turned portion 89 (FIG. 9) on one end of each support strap 83 is affixed to the back surface of a side 82 of frame 81. The other end of each support strap 83 is aflixed to a plate member, here illustrated as a generally circular plate 84. A slot 85 is formed in plate member 84, the slot being of sufiicient size as to receive the pole portion 87 of a traflic signal connecting device 86 (see FIGURE 8). The connecting device 86 illustrated is a four-legged device designed to connect together four traflic signal housings which hang vertically from connectors 88.

As shown in FIGURE 9, one side 90 of support frame 81 has an opening 91 therein to facilitate installation of the street sign arrangement. The opening 91 should be located between the same pair of support straps 83 as is the slot 85 in plate member 84.

The name plaques may be attached to the sides of frame 81 by tabs (not shown) attached to the upper side of the plaques.

The opening 91 in side 90 is utilized to allow the frame 81 to clear obstructions and to permit the slot 85 in plate 84 to receive the pole portion 87 of connecting device 86. When the frame 81 is in the proper position, a latch 92 (FIGURE 10), pivotably attached to plate 84 at 93, is moved into a closed position. The latch 92 is generally semi-circular in shape and has a semi-circular opening 94 of approximately the same diameter as the diameter of pole portion 87 of connecting device 86. Thus, when latch 92 is in the closed position, pole portion 87 is surrounded by and held snugly in the center of plate member 84. Latch 92 is then locked into position, as by a detent pin 95 which may be attached to latch 92 by a chain (not shown) to prevent its loss.

It will be clear from the above description that the present invention provides an improved street sign arrangement which is simple and economical in its parts and which may be easily and quickly manipulated by an unskilled workman. It will also be clear from the above description that the present invention provides a street sign arrangement having readily detachable street name plaques, is adapted to be easily mounted on a trafiic signal whether the traffic signal is mounted on a post or suspended from an arm, and will reduce maintenance cost.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come 'within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the claims are also desired to be protected. For example, in each of the drawings the sides 24 of the mounting frame 23 are illustrated as being tilted outwardly and downwardly. This feature is thought desirable in providing motorists with a better view of the street sign plaques 31. However, the sides 24 may also be made vertical, and this may be desirable when the street sign arrangement of the present invention is mounted on a post-supported tnaflic signal.

The invention claimed is:

1. A street sign arrangement for mounting on a traflic signal comprising:

support means for attachment to said traflic signal;

said support means including four support straps integrally connected at one of their ends to form a cross-shaped member;

the center portion of said cross-shaped member being provided with a plurality of holes adapted to be aligned with a plurality of holes in the housing of said traffic signal to receive fasteners for affixing said support means to said housing;

mounting means aflixed to the other ends of said support straps and supported thereby;

a plurality of street name plaques; and

a plurality of readily detachable fastening means for detachably mounting said plaques to said mounting means.

2. A street sign arrangement for mounting on a trafiic signal comprising:

support means for attachment to said traffic signal;

said support means including two parallel support straps each having'a clamp means located near its mid-point;

mounting means afiixed to one end of each of said support straps and supported thereby;

a plurality of street name plaques; and

a plurality of readily detachable fastening means for detachably mounting said plaques to said mounting means.

3. A street sign arrangement for mounting on a traffic signal comprising:

support means for attachment to said traffic signal;

said support means including a plurality of support straps attached to a plate member;

said plate member having a slot therein and a latch adapted to fit over and close the outer portion of said slot;

mounting means afiixed to and supported by said support means;

a plurality of street name plaques; and

a plurality of readily detachable fastening means for detachably mounting said plaques to said mounting means. 4. The invention according to claim 3 wherein said latch is pivotably attached to said plate member, and with addition of means for securing the free end of said latch to said plate member when said latch is in a closed position.

5. The invention according to claim 4 wherein said slot is located between two support straps, and said mounting means has an opening therein in a portion thereof between said two support straps.

6. A street sign arrangement for mounting on a trafiic signal comprising:

support means for attachment to said traflic signal; said support means including a plurality of support straps connected together adjacent to their centers, the center portion of said support means being provided with a threaded recess adapted to receive the male end of a fastener for affixing said support means to the housing of said traflic signal;

mounting means aflixed to and supported by said support means;

a plurality of street name plaques; and

a plurality of readily detachable fastening means for detachably mounting said plaques to said mounting means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 420,675 2/1890 Cocheu 40131 799,997 9/ 1905 MacLellan 40329 X 2,114,943 4/ 1938 Taylor 40 128 2,3 1 6,5 39 4/1943 Patterson 40--145 X 3,241,257 3/ 1966 Lapham 40131 EUGENE R. CAPOZIO, Primary Examiner WENCESLAO I. CONTRERAS, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 40128 

